During the first half of the twentieth century, still life became a principal focus for avant-garde experiment. This reinstallation concentrates in particular on the work of the Cubists. Cubists, particularly Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, rejected the concept of copying nature and emphasized the two-dimensionality of the canvas by fracturing their subjects into geometric forms.

The centerpiece of the gallery is Pablo Picasso's Pitcher and Fruit Bowl. The gallery also includes The Blue Mandolin by Picasso's close friend and fellow artist, Georges Braque. Max Beckmann also experimented with still life. The installation features his Still Life with Two Large Candles. Also in the gallery are works by Giorgio Morandi and Pierre Bonnard among others.

The Modern Still Life is curated by Simon Kelly, curator of modern and contemporary art.